How to Peel and Core Tomatoes {The Mountain Kitchen Tips

Facebook Pinterest X Email

Just recently I learned how to peel and core tomatoes. I wanted to share my experience with you. You can process 3 to 4 tomatoes at a time using the boiling water method. It is useful for a large batch of tomatoes to peel.

Let me show you how to peel and core tomatoes…

How to peel and core tomatoes:

Place a pot of water on the stove and let it come to a rolling boil. Place a bowl of ice water next to the stove so it is easily accessible.

NOTE: If you are going to cook the tomatoes immediately, you can omit the ice water step.

Rinse the tomatoes clean.

Using a sharp knife, slice a shallow X into the bottom of the tomato (opposite the stem side).

Gently place the tomatoes into the boiling water. If you have several tomatoes, boil them in batches of 3 to 4 at a time.

Boil the tomatoes till you see the X begin to split open wider, or for 25 seconds, whichever comes first. Do not boil them for longer than 25 to 30 seconds or they will begin to soften and cook.

Remove the tomatoes immediately from the boiling water using a slotted spoon. Place the tomatoes directly into the bowl of ice water and let them cool off. This will help to stop any “cooking” that has started.

Remove the tomatoes from the ice water. Begin peeling the skin at the X, pulling the skin back gently.

Not much tomato flesh should come off with the skin – if the flesh comes off or the tomato seems soft/mushy, you’ve cooked it a bit too long. Try cooking it for a shorter time on the next round.

Discard the skin. Cut out the core like you would if you were carving a pumpkin and making the lid. Go into the flesh at an angle and cut around the core until it is loose.